Child learn about rhino conservation through fun
Rhino Art, an initiative to teach children about rhino conservation through art, visited the Onderberg last Friday.
MALALANE – Children in the Onderberg were taught how they can help fight rhino poaching during a Rhino Art community conservation awareness campaign on Friday morning.
They were a part of one million children across the country Rhino Art is trying reach with this message.
Richard Mabanga and Grant Fowlds of Rhino Art addressed learners of local schools at the Mascor premises in Malalane and Komatipoort and explained what rhino poaching is, why it is done and how rhinos can be protected, all in a fun and entertaining way.
Many of the children were surprisingly knowledgeable about rhinos, conservation and poaching and earned a few prizes during quiz time.
Fowlds explained that not only rhinos, but also pangolins, elephants and gorillas were being slaughtered, and that it was important to talk to friends and neighbours about protecting these animals.
Children of Amazing Grace, a local children’s home, also attended the occasion and were treated to pizza and sweets at Debonairs afterwards.
Children could each take a special Rhino Art picture home to colour and write messages of support to rhino conservation. The page also contains facts on rhino poaching and conservation that children could learn and share with other people.
Rhino Art is an initiative by Project Rhino KZN and the Kingsley Holgate Foundation and supported by Mascor and Caltex.
It was started in 2013 and the team has since visited the US, UK and several Asian and African countries.
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Fowlds said they focus on areas around the national parks and have conducted youth summits, handed out materials, like 3D puzzles, and done rhino shout-outs. He said one picture can reach four people and was a great way to spread its message.
Locals can support the Rhino Art initiative by taking a selfie or photo with the rhino at Caltex Malelane and sending it to 078-624-3455 or handing in a A3 artwork before September 1. Entrants stand a chance to win a two-night stay at Khula’s Cottage and an elephant interaction in Hoedspruit.
Companies and schools can also raise money and sponsor a Rhino Art visit to a local school.
For more information on the initiative, visit www.rhinoart.co.za.
